June 29, 2021

O’Brien Institute members receive major investment in social sciences and humanities research

Government of Canada funding will support four O’Brien Institute led-projects as they push big ideas, discoveries and innovations forward
O’Brien Institute members receive major investment in social sciences and humanities research

Social sciences and humanities research is crucial to creating the evidence needed to address some of the biggest challenges in public health, such as climate change, immigrant and refugee health, global health, and societal disparities.

Four O’Brien Institute for Public Health members have received funding through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s (SSHRC) 2020 Insight Grants and Partnership Development Grants competitions to address public health challenges.

“More than ever, this past year has shown that society cannot move forward without the strong contribution of researchers from across Canada and beyond. Advancing knowledge and insight within and across all disciplines—including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering and health—is essential to tackling the challenges we face and finding the solutions we need to make Canada healthier, safer, more innovative and more prosperous,” says Ted Hewitt, SSHRC president and chair of the Canada Research Chairs Program Steering Committee.

“The funded projects show the vast range of experience and knowledge held by researchers at the O’Brien Institute for Public Health,” says Institute scientific director Dr. Tom Stelfox, MD, PhD.  

“From working with newcomers, to looking at the factors that contribute to climate change, the selected projects will have an impact for years to come.”

Awarded projects

SSHRC Partnership Development Grants

Enhancing newcomer resettlement through a community engaged knowledge mobilization hub
Principal applicant: Dr. Turin Tanvir Chowdhury, PhD

Learn more

SSHRC Insight Grants

Digitizing Carbon Capitalism
Principal applicant: Dr. Ryan Burns, PhD

Exploring the roles of homegrown initiatives in addressing social issues in post-genocide Rwanda
Principal applicant: Dr. Régine King, PhD

An exploration of the systems and societal norms that contribute to the marginalization of youth
Principal applicant: Dr. Candace Lind, PhD